The section known as Kids-A-Million recently relocated and expanded to take up all 8,000 square feet of the second floor with new fixtures, decorations and a new play table.

The grand opening included kid-friendly activities such as story time with notable children’s book characters, face painting and LEGO building contests.

Finley said although the bookstore business as a whole has gone through major changes due to technology, the children’s, teen and tween markets haven’t been affected as strongly.

“Parents still want a physical book for their kids, kids still want a physical book experience,” he said. “There is very little of the children’s business that has gone digital.”

The store held a grand opening for the new section on Saturday, Nov. 10.

The store began planning the transformation in February, with the physical phase lasting only two weeks in order to not inconvenience customers. The goal of the finished product was to create an experience, according to Finley.

“In this day and age when everyone can buy on the internet, the retail store, we want to make it exciting,” he said.

The new section also gives the store a chance to focus more on displaying brands associated with famous children’s book character.

“We’re able to, in a sort of unique way, to pull all of that together,” he said. “Some of these products you would find at other stores like a Walmart of a Target, but the toys would be with toys and the books would be with books."

Major changes extended in to Joe Muggs café, which is also housed on the second floor. The eatery now has a candy wall with jelly beans, lollipops, bubble gum and even giant gummy bears. The café now offers more kid-friendly options like banana split cupcakes.

“In this environment, we wanted to do some things to really reach out to the kids and the experience of Kids-A-Million,” Finley said. “We have greatly expanded our candy offering. It’s interactive, it’s fun and the kids flocked to it over the weekend.”

The
department will also offer story time sessions during the week, book signings
and birthday parties.

There are plans to remodel the store’s other locations starting early next year, according to Finley.